India great Sachin Tendulkar was off the field at the start of the fourth day's play in the first Test against England at Lord's here on Sunday with a viral infection.

An India statement issued Sunday said: "Mr Sachin Tendulkar has a viral infection and is resting under medical advice and would take the field later in the day after further medical assessment."

His absence meant India were missing two key players Sunday with strike bowler Zaheer Khan also off the field because of the hamstring strain that had sidelined him for most of England's first innings.

Tendulkar, one of cricket's greatest batsmen, was out for 34 on Saturday as his latest bid to score his 100th international hundred ended in disappointment as England maintained their grip on the opening match of a four-Test series.

The 38-year-old had played some trademark classic shots before he was caught at second slip by Graeme Swann off Stuart Broad, who led England's attack with four wickets for 37 runs.

India were bowled out for 286, featuring Rahul Dravid's unbeaten 103, in reply to England's first innings 474 for eight declared -- a deficit of 188.

England resumed on five without loss in their second innings -- an overall lead of 193 runs.